Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Andres “Andy” C. Ligot to serve as an auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of San José, according to an Aug. 29 announcement from the Apostolic Nunciature.
The notice was made public in Washington by Monsignor Većeslav Tumir, who is currently overseeing the nunciature during the temporary absence of Cardinal Christophe Pierre.
Bishop-elect Ligot, who has been vicar general and chancellor of the San José diocese since 2023, is also pastor of St. Elizabeth of Portugal Parish in Milpitas, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Originally ordained a priest in 1992 for the Diocese of Laoag in the Philippines, he later transferred to the San José diocese in 2004.
“Today we rejoice with gratitude for Bishop-elect Ligot’s ‘yes’ to the Lord and to the Church in Silicon Valley,” Bishop Oscar Cantú said in an Aug. 29 press release from the diocese. “His priestly heart, pastoral experience, and steady leadership will bless our parishes, schools, and ministries. I invite the faithful to keep him in prayer as he prepares for episcopal ordination.”
Bishop-elect Ligot’s ministry has spanned several countries and roles, the USCCB noted. In the Philippines, he served in parish work and coordinated national evangelization programs. During his studies in Spain, he took on duties as a chaplain at a university hospital and managed a residence for priests.
He began ministering in California in 1999, first as a hospital chaplain and later in parish and diocesan tribunal roles. He was named judicial vicar in 2008.
“I am humbled by the Holy Father’s trust and by Bishop Cantú’s support,” Bishop-elect Ligot said in the release. “I renew my promise to serve Christ and His people with joy — especially those most in need. Please pray for me, that I may be a faithful servant and a good shepherd in our beautifully diverse Church.”
In the Diocese of San José, Bishop-elect Ligot has led parishes including St. John Vianney in San José and St. Lawrence the Martyr in Santa Clara. He speaks Tagalog, Ilocano, Spanish, and English.
The Diocese of San José has been without an auxiliary bishop since 2015, when Bishop Thomas Daly was appointed bishop of Spokane, Washington.
